Change Toolkit Sponsor Overview
Role of the Sponsor
Every Programme must have a Sponsor. The Sponsor is responsible for:
- Setting the high level objectives, scope, anticipated benefits, budget constraints, timing and priority
- Ensuring the Programme supports the Corporate Strategy
- Acting as the ‘owner’ of the solution
- ‘Legitimising’ the change within the organisation
- Providing clarity of direction
- Defining measurable goals
- Providing final ‘authority’ for all key decisions
- Monitoring the Programme at the highest level
- Leading the Stakeholder group/Steering Group
- Resolving critical issues
- Agreeing to scope changes
- Reporting to the Board or Executive
- Liasing with other key managers and ensuring ongoing support from the business
- Ensuring there is funding for the Programme
Appointment
The Sponsor should be appointed on formation of the Programme.
The Sponsor should remain appointed throughout the lifecycle of the Programme.
Authority
The Sponsor should have full authority over the Programme. This means:
- Any key changes to scope, timing, budgets, benefits and impacts should be approved by the Sponsor.
- The Sponsor will make final decisions for the Programme.
Critical Issue
As a general rule a Programme Sponsor is responsible for other critical activities for the business. They are rarely specialists in Programme or Change Management. The Programme is often a small percentage of their daily job although it may be a critical aspect to their future.
The Sponsor must find enough time to support the Programme.